THE author of the following pages held a conspicuous place in London literary society; and was on familiar terms with many of the most eminent men of his time and country. "The sketches and anecdotes which he has introduced into his Memoirs are in the highest degree interesting; whilst his habits of observing and discriminating character give to his delineations an authority, and consequently a value, which it is difficult to over-estimate."1
The career of Cumberland in Spain is a curious episode in his life; and, in connection with Jay's mission to that country, of especial interest to the student of American history.
The Editor has divided the narrative into chapters, and added notes, illustrative of the text, which he ventures to hope has enhanced the value and interest of the work.
PHILADELPHIA, March, 1856.
1 Encyclopædia Britannica.